2014 Nissan GT-R Revealed, Laps Nürburgring In 7:18: Video

Nissan’s practice of continually offering upgrades for its R35 GT-R shows no signs of slowing, with the Japanese automaker today announcing a new round of revisions for its giant-killing supercar. Coming in for the 2014 model year, the latest version of the GT-R has been enhanced with increased performance, improved ride and handling, and greater customization.

You may recall that Nissan entered a stock GT-R in the Nürburgring 24 Hours this year, an endurance race in which the car emerged a winner in its class and 30th overall. As the car’s chief engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno explained at the time, the purpose of competing was to test reliability and durability issues in order to refine the GT-R over the remainder of its life-cycle.

For the 2014 Nissan GT-R, this has led to improved engine response in both the mid- and upper-rev range, increased body rigidity, and numerous changes to the shock absorbers, springs and front stabilizer. Sadly, there’s been no increase in power so peak output remains at 545 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque.

Nevertheless, the vehicle's overall performance is said to have increased, high-speed stability improved, and ride quality made more refined. Nissan boasts the car's new Nürburgring lap time is 7:18:6--more than 20 seconds faster than the lap time of the original R35 that debuted in 2007.

Specific changes to the powertrain include high-output fuel injectors that more precisely control fuel injection to improve mid-range engine response and acceleration at higher revs, revised turbochargers that help maintain boost pressure for longer at high revs, and improved circulation of the engine oil to reduce internal friction.

Moving onto the chassis, Nissan engineers managed to reduce the car’s center of gravity by adjusting the suspension bushings and tires. This is in addition to revising the shock absorbers and front stabilizer. Cam bolts have also been installed on the front suspension to improve camber accuracy and maintainability of alignment settings, and a number of bolts have had their torque increased to improve reliability in track situations.

Finally, reinforcements were added at two locations in the dash panel bar and instrument panel member, which Nissan says results in improved suspension performance and increased body rigidity.

Overseas, Nissan has also launched a new Premium Edition trim, which adds Semi-Aniline leather and more options for customizing the cabin. The automaker is also offering carbon bucket seats from Recaro as a factory option.

Specifications and pricing for the 2014 Nissan GT-R in the U.S. should be announced closer to the car’s local launch early next year.